Edward E. 'Poppy' Helm III

He was born May 11, 1948, in Easton and was a son of the late Edward E. Jr. and Lydia Gregory Helm.

His wife of 40 years, the former Mary F. Kolessar, passed away June 16, 2007.

Edward retired in 2003 as a vice president from the former Laneco, where he worked for 37 years. He also retired from the U.S. Marine Corps as a lance corporal in 1967. He was awarded three Purple Hearts for his service during the Vietnam War.

He graduated from Easton High School, Class of 1966.

Poppy enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Edward was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Forks Township. He was also a member of Marine Corps League, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Disabled American Veterans and the former Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1290. After retirement, he and his wife founded a nonprofit "buddy locator" for veterans, Veterans Helping Veterans Find Veterans (VVV).

Survivors include two sons: Edward E. IV of Cresco and Charles M. and his wife, Stacy, of Whitehall; two daughters: Mary L. Breiner and her husband, Eric, of Texas and Rachel D. Hurley and her husband, Richard, of Seattle, Wash.; a sister, Shane Spear of Bethlehem; and 11 grandchildren: Edward E. V, Austin and Courtney Helm, Hannah and Elisabeth Breiner, Jacob Helm, Camrin Hurley and Logan, Cole, Nolen and Andrew Helm.

Call hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, at Strunk Funeral Home, 602 W. Berwick St., Easton. Services will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery.